John C. Chaloupka, MD, FAHA, FACA, Featured in Article on Coiling Embolization Procedure for Brain Aneurysm John C. Chaloupka, MD, Professor and Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, was recently featured in a in an article in the August 17, 2005, issue of the Des Moines Register. Dr. Chaloupka treated Iowa State University associate professor, Barbara Mack, after her neurologist found evidence of a brain aneurysm on an MRI scan. Dr. Mack was faced with the choice of either having the aneurysm "clipped," which would require the removal of part of her skull, or to have it treated by threading tiny coils into the aneurysm through a microcatheter inserted into her groin. This coiling technique blocks the flow of blood to the aneurysm and prevents it from rupturing. After thoroughly researching her options and speaking with experts around the country, Dr. Mack decided to pursue coiling with world-renowned expert, Dr. John C. Chaloupka. Dr. Chaloupka was one of the first physicians to perform the procedure, and today people from around the globe travel to Iowa City to be treated by him. Dr. Chaloupka holds coiling material used to embolize brain aneurysms. When Dr. Chaloupka first began his practice at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics back in 1998, roughly 20 cases of aneurysm were being treated per year. Over the past seven years, he has performed over 600 aneurysm surgeries, and 85 percent of those were treated with coils, compared to 20 percent seven years ago. The procedure requires about a two-day hospital stay, and most patients are back to full normal activities within 6 weeks. Risks include blood clot formation in another part of the brain and aneurysm rupture in about 1 percent of patients. To read the full article in the Des Moines Register, go to http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005508170318. For more information about brain coiling, please contact Dr. Chaloupka at (319) 356-4329.     Patient Information | For Health Professionals | Education | Research Faculty/Staff | Job Opportunities | Home